Stronger Internet Regulations Might Soon Become a Thing in the UK

In the aftermath of the London attacks where a van killed pedestrians over the London Bridge and the suspects proceeded to stop and stab more people, the Prime Minister of UK, Theresa May, has suggested that there be stronger regulations on the internet. This basically translates to having more control over the flow of information. Internet service providers would be required to retain information for longer than they usually do and internet based companies would be required to keep a check on hate speech.

In a press conference outside 10 Downing Street, Theresa May emphasized the need to eradicate the safe spaces that she believes harbor terrorism on the internet. These safe spaces are not always explicit because sometimes they a digital forum that promotes hate speech can be used as a catalyst for terrorism.

She said,

Second, we cannot allow this ideology the safe space it needs to breed. Yet that is precisely what the internet – and the big companies that provide internet-based services – provide.

She further emphasized the importance of separating Islam from Islamist extremism, regarding it as a perversion of the true values of the religion. While laying emphasis on this, she stressed on the importance of people going about their lives with the Western values of freedom deeply embedded into their actions. She further implied that these values are not incompatible with the religion and the recognition of this would bring the people of the UK much closer and help them live as members of a united UK.

She further emphasized the importance of separating Islam from Islamist extremism, regarding it as a perversion of the true values of the religion. While laying emphasis on this, she stressed on the importance of people going about their lives with the Western values of freedom deeply embedded into their actions. She further implied that these values are not incompatible with the religion and the recognition of this would bring the people of the UK much closer and help them live as members of a united UK.